A 115-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty was toppled during a storm…See more

The towering replica, a popular local attraction and roadside symbol, had stood for years and was visible from miles away. Witnesses described hearing a loud, thunderous crash as the structure fell, followed by sparks and debris scattered across the surrounding area. “It felt like an earthquake,” one resident said, adding that the storm was unlike anything they had seen before.

Local officials confirmed that the storm system produced wind gusts strong enough to knock out power across multiple neighborhoods, uproot trees, and damage buildings. Engineers are now assessing whether structural weaknesses contributed to the collapse or if the extreme weather alone was responsible. The site has been cordoned off as a safety precaution while inspections continue.